Perfect wedding in hostel - Ireland

The move into weddings came about when Hostelling International’s Marketing Manager Cathy Magovern (BSc Hons.) found herself becoming more and more involved in the planning and preparation of weddings for friends and family at Whitepark Bay. She said: “There is so much pressure on couples now to have the perfect wedding but the stress and pressure takes away from the excitement of the actual planning. I truly believe that the lead up to the wedding is as important as the day itself and the happy couple should be at the heart of every decision.  “Weddings should be a celebration.”

There are numerous weddings venues available for your big day from barns to castles but Cathy and the team feel that what they can offer at Whitepark Bay is unique and unlike that on offer at any other venue.

 

“We provide an amazing space for the couple to create their dream day. We can comfortably cater for 85 guests to enjoy a sit down meal and one of our brides is having a buffet-style reception for 120 guests. We will try to work around the needs of our couples to ensure that they can accommodate all of their nearest and dearest within the confines of our health and safety legislation.”

 

At present, the venue caters for wedding receptions only, but it hopes to be able to conduct civil ceremonies in the near future. The expansive outside space is also due to be landscaped in the summer months which will enhance the outside beauty even further complementing the already astounding views over the countryside and coastline.

There is a range of packages to suit varying budgets and requirements. “Our Silver Package starts at £1,500 for exclusive hire of the hostel and overnight accommodation for one night for 50 guests,” explained Cathy. “This package gives the couple the most control over their day and they can decorate the venue how they wish enabling them to put their stamp on every aspect of the décor. However, we have also teamed up with local company ‘Bride and Groom’ and we are delighted to be able to offer packages to those couples who want a little less to organise. Our Pearl Package costs approximately £1,750 and is based on 85 guests and includes the hire of gorgeous chiavari chairs, tables and linen.

 

An upgrade to the Diamond Package will include the addition of fairy light backdrop, centre pieces and table skirts will cost in the region of £1,900.”

Nestled on a cliff top, just a two minute walk from the glorious National Trust Whitepark Bay beach, this venue offers one of the most breathtaking natural backdrops available for your wedding photography. Cathy continues: “The fact that all of our packages include overnight accommodation for 50 guests is a bonus. Weddings take months, if not years, of planning but are over in a matter of hours. Staying overnight enables couples to spend a longer time with their guests creating a true party atmosphere. What could be better than waking up the next morning, sitting around the open log fire, clutching a cuppa (or perhaps finishing off the fizz from the night before) and reminiscing about the day just past? It allows the day to last and for us just gives that extra special time for couples to enjoy time with their closest friends and family. We can also offer a discount on accommodation in neighbouring Bushmills for any weddings which need to cater for more than 50 guests.”

 

Whitepark Bay Weddings is run by Hostelling International NI - a not for profit organisation which was established in 1931 and is affiliated with the biggest and most prestigious hostel brand worldwide. Hostelling is no longer about dorm rooms and chores before bedtimes and most now offer free WIFI, en-suite rooms, tea/ coffee making facilities with many bedrooms boasting televisions and other facilities.

 

More at: www.hini.org.uk